Which process is essential for the growth of plants from seeds?

Germination is the vital process through which a seed develops into a new plant. This process begins when a seed absorbs water and swells, leading to the activation of enzymes that break down stored food within the seed. This stored energy is crucial for the growth of the seedling as it pushes through the soil and establishes its roots. Proper conditions, such as appropriate moisture, temperature, and sometimes light, are necessary for germination to occur successfully.

While transpiration, photosynthesis, and evaporation are all important processes for the overall health and growth of plants, they occur at later stages after germination. Transpiration involves the movement of water within the plant and its evaporation from the leaves, which helps with nutrient transport and cooling the plant. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which happens after the plant has grown beyond the seedling stage. Evaporation is a physical process of converting liquid water into vapor and does not directly contribute to the germination of seeds. Thus, germination is a fundamental first step that must occur before any other processes can take place in plant development.